Session One:
Saturday, March 29, 2025
10:00 am–3:00 pm (lunch break included)

Session Two:
Sunday, March 30, 2025 (lunch break included)
10:00 am–3:00 pm
$175 per person (includes $25 materials fee)
10% discount for Glencairn Museum members
Ages 12 and up

Spend a day immersing yourself in the art of calligraphy with instructor Elinor Aishah Holland, a member of the New York Islamic Arts artist collective. In this one-day workshop (Session One: Saturday, March 29 or Session Two: Sunday, March 30), participants will discover examples of medieval Latin and Arabic calligraphy in art and objects from the Glencairn Museum collection. Participants will be introduced to the Thuluth style of calligraphy, receive guided instruction in letter formation, and enjoy creative letter play. Materials included in the workshop fee will be your own to take home with you. Discover the religious, cultural, and artistic significance of this artform for yourself! 

About the instructor:  

Holland’s passion and enthusiasm for calligraphy began during a visit to Istanbul as a teenager. Finding the study of Arabic calligraphic forms difficult here in the US, she discovered the Society of Scribes in New York City and undertook an education in Latin lettering. Her path eventually led her to the master scribe Mohamed Zakariya. Holland received an Icazet, or calligraphic certification in Arabic script in 2013. As a freelance lettering artist in Latin and Arabic scripts, her work includes all aspects of involvement with the art, including exhibiting, teaching, and both commercial and commission work. Clients include the Smithsonian Institute, the New York Public Library, the Clinton Global Initiative, the Society of Scribes, Long Island University, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the US Department of State. Discover more about Elinor here.